Packers vs. Lions: Developing Detroit Not Ready for Defending Champs

The Detroit Lions may be one of the comeback stories this season in the NFL, but they aren't ready for the Green Bay Packers.

That's because this team is still developing, as is quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the Lions haven't been together enough to mold into what the Packers have become.

The Packers got where they are now, 10-0 and coming off a Super Bowl victory, through years of draft picks on both sides of the ball.

It took years of dedication, years of being on the outside looking in on the Super Bowl contenders.

The Lions have big things in store on the horizon, specifically because of Stafford and a burgeoning defense. However, they aren't there yet, and home-field advantage won't give them enough of an edge on Thursday against a team that could very well go undefeated this season.

You look at the Lions' wins this season and they haven't really beaten anyone who was playing well headed into the matchup. Their biggest wins are against the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, but both the Cowboys and the Bears were struggling at the time.

Now, they certainly deserve credit for those wins and their 7-3 record, but their toughest matchups they also lost, falling to the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons and Bears (when they had bounced back).

My point is that while the Lions are a true up-and-coming team in the NFL, they aren't a Super Bowl contender at this juncture.

That will show against the Packers.

It's not a bad thing, considering the Lions have risen so quickly after last season, but it is below the expectations of some who believe the Lions are Super Bowl contenders right now.

My advice?

Give the Lions some time.

Becoming a team like the Packers takes a little more work.